reinforcing feedback

Effect of an action, change, or decision returned to amplify or bolster what caused it. Reinforcing feedback drives a system increasingly faster in the direction it is already going whether away from its goal (called a vicious circle) or towards it (called a virtuous circle). It may destroy the system by pushing it beyond its limits unless the circle runs out of steam or is countered by a balancing feedback. A small ball of snow rolling downhill is an example of vicious circle. As its size continues to grow, it picks up ever-increasing amounts of snow. This process stops only when the giant ball of snow disintegrates under its own weight or runs out of slopes to roll down.